Fit, Fashionable Find: Nike Flyknit Lunar2 Running Sneakers

We're big fans of running here at SELF -- something you'd never guess, right? And there's nothing that gets us going more than a great run -- unless it's a great run with killer sneakers. Enter the brand-new Nike Flyknit Lunar2, available for purchase February 6 on nike.com for $160. Luckily, we were able to snag a couple of pairs for our fleet-footed staffers to test this past week. The conclusion? They're high functioning, lightweight and super chic.

“The Flyknit Lunar2 brings two of our best innovations and technologies together in one package,” says Rob Dolan, senior design director, Nike Running. “You get the great, soft, responsive, fluid ride of Lunar cushioning with this amazing, light but supportive upper through Flyknit. Those two things are a magical combination.”

Magical, you say? Two of our fittest editors took ‘em out for two solid runs — and the results were, well, kinda magical. Here’s more.

I broke in Nike’s Flyknit Lunar 2 with a chilly, windy 8.5-miler up New York City’s West Side Highway. I’ve run threee marathons and 13 half marathons [Ed. note: Yes, 13. – RJ], but running distance doesn’t always feel great for me — I over-pronate pretty badly, and my hips don’t really love the impact. So much so, in fact, that every time I’ve had a gait analysis done, I’ve been put in a brand’s most geriatric-looking orthopedic stability sneaker. Because of that, I was a little skeptical about the Flynit Lunar being able to support me for middle distance. But it did. The upper is stretchable, breathable and almost sock-like. The sole is cushion-y without feeling bulky or heavy. I felt light on my feet and didn’t experience the post-run aches in my heels and arches that I normally do when I’m not in a stability shoe. And let’s be real, it’s called Flyknit for two reasons: 1) it makes you light and quick, so going faster feels easier; and 2) it looks fly as hell. Yep, I think I just found my new 13.1 sneaker.

Took them for a short run last night and they performed great, just like their younger sister, the Flyknit Lunar1+. Although I’m a fan of most Nike running kicks and know the product well, from an objective POV I wasn’t able to feel a huge difference in weight (both versions are whisper-light), but the Lunar 2 felt more snug; the knit on the uppersole felt improved and offered a custom fit. If you have wide feet like me, the knit expands to give your toes wiggle room, and if your feet are narrow, you can tie the laces a bit tighter so they fit like a sock.

Since they’re built for any runner — from total running virgin to super-swaggy elite — yet are a lighter weight than most newbie shoes are, we’re giving these our fit stamp of approval. And the color scheme — which is beyond sick — helps cement the sneaks into their place as a truly fit, fashionable find.

So, who’s grabbing a new pair of the Flyknit Lunar2’s? Or, what’s your all-time favorite running shoe? Share in the comments below or tweet us @SELFmagazine!